SPIRITUAL REBIRTH FOR THE CATHOLIC - PART TWO

CHRIST DEFINES DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “PHYSICAL BIRTH” AND “SPIRITUAL REBIRTH” 

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to Jesus^] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.” 

 ³ Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God [Heaven].” 

 ⁴ Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 

 ⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water [Physical Birth] and the Spirit [Spiritual Rebirth], he cannot enter the kingdom of God [Heaven]. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh [Physical Birth], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [Spiritual Rebirth].

 - (John 3:1-6 --Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition - RSVCE) 

Now, where in the context of the above Holy Scripture verses do we find Jesus Christ making any mention whatsoever of “water baptism” to the Jewish Pharisee named Nicodemus? — There is no mention of water baptism! 

The word “water” is only mentioned one time in the above verses of Holy Scripture (verse 8), and it is NOT being used in verse 8 in reference to “water baptism”. — It is being used in reference to “physical birth”! – Jesus is referring to the amniotic water in the womb of a mother from which all humans (and even some animals) are born into the world! – (In addition, Jesus clarifies even more that he is speaking of ‘physical birth’ in John 3:6 when He says …”flesh is flesh”) 

So, it is important to understand that in John 3:1-6, Jesus is distinguishing the difference between “physical birth” and “spiritual rebirth” to Nicodemus. —Why?— Because after Nicodemus hears Jesus tell him that he must be “born anew” in John 3:3, Nicodemus is wondering how he can be “physically born again”. -- He asks Jesus in verse 4 …“Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 

Jesus now makes it clear to Nicodemus that He is not speaking about “physical rebirth”, but “spiritual rebirth”.

-- Jesus tells Nicodemus that during “physical birth” …”flesh is born of flesh” (verse 6), but during “spiritual rebirth” man’s “spirit is regenerated (made alive again) by the Holy Spirit”. Jesus makes it perfectly clear that it is absolutely essential that a man’s spirit be made alive again through “Holy Spirit Baptism” (not “Water Baptism”) if the man ever wants to enter into Heaven. 

In my post, “SPIRITUAL REBIRTH - PART ONE”, we learned ‘HOW’ we humans came to have “dead spirits” when we are born into this world. We learned that we inherited our “dead spirits” from Adam’s having sinned against God. We also learned that if we ever want to see Heaven that our human spirits MUST BE MADE ALIVE AGAIN by “Baptism by the Holy Spirit”. 

In John 3:7-8 – (RSVCE - Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition), Jesus reveals what happens during “Baptism by the Holy Spirit” (“Holy Spirit Baptism”) …   

⁷ Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ ⁸ The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not   [know] whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.”   

Jesus reveals in John 3:8, that “Holy Spirit Baptism” (also known as …“baptism by the Holy Spirit”, “spiritual rebirth”, becoming “spiritually born again”) is a supernatural event … It is a supernatural Baptism given by the Holy Spirit to a Gospel believing, repentant sinner that can’t be seen (but the results of a true “Holy Spirit Baptism” can be seen in the repentant sinner’s lifestyle. -- After a true “Holy Spirit Baptism” … he/she becomes a “new creature” according to 2 Corinthians 5:16.) 

So, true “Holy Spirit Baptism” is a “spiritual event” (John 3:8) in a repentant sinner’s life when the Holy Spirit supernaturally enters into the repentant and Gospel believing sinner’s soul forever! 

What is the difference between “HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM” and “WATER BAPTISM”?  

Both “Holy Spirit Baptism” and “Water Baptism” have significant importance in the Christian faith, but they serve different purposes and both have distinct differences. -- 

The most important difference between the two being that true “Holy Spirit Baptism” always leads to the complete salvation of a repentant sinner’s soul. … It provides a complete cleansing and forgiveness for ALL of the sinner’s past, present, and future sins forever. …It provides complete salvation for the sinner’s soul from Hell and the eternal lake of fire. …And most importantly, it will result in the repentant sinner supernaturally receiving the presence of the Holy Spirit of God into their soul forever! 

On the other hand, neither “Water Baptism”, nor any righteous works we may have done through a church, or on our own, are able to forgive even ONE of our sins and therefore “Water Baptism” cannot provide 'salvation', or “Spiritual Rebirth” for a sinner’s soul! 

How do we know that it is IMPOSSIBLE for “Water Baptism” to bring about “Spiritual Rebirth” in any person’s soul! —  Because according to the New Testament of the Catholic Bible it is IMPOSSIBLE for “WATER" to wash away sin! -- Only complete FAITH in Jesus Christ’s “PERFECT BLOOD SACRIFICE” on the Cross can cleanse (wash away sin) from a soul! 

In Hebrews 9:22b – (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible), we read… 

“…and without shedding of blood there is no remission [there is no cleansing ,pardon, forgiveness, or washing away of sin].” 

In 1 John 1:7b - (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible) we read… 

“And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 

Unless a repentant soul is trusting completely in the “Perfect Blood Sacrifice” that Jesus Christ made on the Cross as being a full pardon and cleansing of all his/her sins forever, that soul cannot receive a “Spiritual Regeneration” of their human spirit. 

The truth of the Catholic Bible is that if a person is trusting in their “Water Baptism” for the forgiveness of their sins, or in their righteous works they may have done through a church, or on their own, for their salvation of their soul from Hell and the eternal lake of fire… that person will never see Heaven! 

A person MUST BY FAITH have all their sins (past, present, and future sins) washed away (cleansed) by the shed blood of Jesus Christ in order for their human spirit to made alive again by the Holy Spirit and restored to fellowship with God. 

So, how can a Roman Catholic receive “Spiritual Rebirth”…that is, how can a Catholic receive the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” and become a true “spiritually born-again Christian”? 

Becoming a “spiritually born again” Christian is a deeply personal experience that involves accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This decision is the most important one a sinner will ever make in their life.  It is an eternal life in Heaven, or eternal death in a lake of fire decision. 

At its core, becoming “spiritually born again” means beginning a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ and experiencing a spiritual transformation in one’s life from His Holy Spirit from His Holy Spirit. 

Being “spiritually born again” means that your old life has passed away, and you have been made new through the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ. You are no longer a slave to sin, but a child of God who has been set free.

Being “spiritually born again” is a term used in the Christian faith to describe a “spiritual rebirth” (a “Baptism by the Holy Spirit") that occurs when someone truly repents and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This spiritual transformation is often referred to as a conversion, where one turns away from their old ways and commits to following Christ. 

As seen in John 3:1-8, being "spiritually born again" is not a physical rebirth, but rather a “spiritual awakening” of a repentant sinner’s “dead spirit” by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit of God. 

Why is becoming “spiritually born again” so important? -- Because it is through this process that one can receive God’s free gift of eternal life along with complete salvation for one’s soul. 

The Bible teaches that salvation is available to all who REPENT and BY FAITH accept Jesus Christ’s “perfect Blood Sacrifice” on the Cross as being a ‘full pardon and complete cleansing of all of their sins forever. --"BY FAITH" is believing that your sins have all been forgiven because of Christ’s death on the Cross and that you have supernaturally received the Holy Spirit into your soul to help you live the Christian life. 

Before becoming “spiritually born again”, many Roman Catholics may struggle with doubts and uncertainty about their salvation. They may wonder if they have done enough good works, or if they have truly been forgiven for their past sins, or if they really will go to Heaven rather than Hell (I know I struggled with these thoughts while living 42 years of my life as a Roman Catholic!). -- However, after becoming a “spiritually born again” Christian, the convert receives assurance from the Holy Spirit of God, who is now living in their soul, that their sins are forgiven, that they have eternal life, and that they are now a true adopted child of God rather than remaining as a ‘spiritual child’ of Satan the Devil (see John 8:44). 

This assurance of salvation from the Holy Spirit can bring a sense of peace and joy to a “spiritually born again” Christian’s life. The true Christian can now live without fear of death or judgment, knowing that they have been reconciled in their relationship to God through His Son Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross. 

While this assurance of salvation from the Holy Spirit does not mean that a “spiritually born again” Christian will never struggle with doubts or face challenges to their faith, the assurance does provide a firm foundation of security concerning their relationship with God, and that they are guaranteed by God to spend eternity in Heaven and NOT a lake of fire. 

THE PROCESS OF RECEIVING A ‘SPIRITUAL REBIRTH” FOR YOUR “DEAD SPIRIT”…

(1) Recognize the fact that you are a sinner in need of God’s salvation for your soul. Believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that He now sits at the right hand of His Father in Heaven. 

(2) Repent for your past sin life…that is, sincerely ask forgiveness for your sins from your heart! ...Confess to God the fact that you have been trying to earn forgiveness of sin and salvation for your soul through your own self-efforts in a church rather than trusting in His Son Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross as having ALREADY cleansed you of ALL of your sins forever with His own precious blood.

 …In 1 Peter 2:24, (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible), we read…

 “Who his own self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we, being dead to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes [bloody wounds] you were healed [forgiven for your sins].” 

(3) In prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior. 

This means you are willing to surrender your life to Him and to make a commitment to follow Him for the rest of your life. 

(4) Ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life and to help you live the Christian Life according to God the Father’s will. – (The Holy Spirit supernaturally comes into your life the very moment you REPENT and BELIEVE.)

WATER BAPTISM

AFTER your “Baptism by the Holy Spirit” (your asking God for salvation experience described above) it is now time to receive “Water Baptism”. 

What is the purpose of “Water Baptism”? 

Water baptism is a fundamental ordinance (law) in Christianity, that symbolizes the cleansing of the repentant sinner’s sins through their faith in Jesus Christ’s “Perfect Blood Sacrifice” on the Cross as being a full pardon and cleansing (washing) of all their sins forever! 

It symbolizes the new “spiritually born again” Christian believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. -- Water Baptism is done by the immersion, sprinkling, or pouring of water over the individual being baptized. -- According to early church baptism recordings in the Book of Acts, immersion was the Biblical method to be used for water baptism. 

The act of Water Baptism represents a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

It is a symbolic representation of the new believer's “Spiritual Rebirth” that has occurred through a “Holy Spirit Baptism” event PRIOR TO Water Baptism. It is symbolic of the new believer’s decision to leave behind their old way of life. 

Through Water Baptism, Christians publicly express that they have been cleansed from all their sin (past, present and future sin) through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, and that they are ready to start a new life and journey of faith with Christ. 

So, do you now see how important it is that we sinners understand how to become a “spiritually born again” Christian?

If a Roman Catholic continues to believe the false teaching that Water Baptism produces a “spiritual rebirth” to a sinner’s “dead spirit”… that belief will cause the Roman Catholic to become eternally separated from God? 

Again, PROOF that WATER BAPTISM  cannot provide “spiritual rebirth” for a sinner’s spirit is clearly seen in the New Testament Scriptures of the Catholic Bible because WATER  cannot cleanse and wash away sin…only FAITH in the “shed blood of Jesus Christ” can cleanse our souls from all sin… which is exactly what happens during “Holy Spirit Baptism”.